07 CPO - 3rd party mechanic check still necessary?

wiseguy

wiseguy

Member
 Mississippi, USA
I'm going to buy an 07 Z4SI this summer (with mileage between 20,000 and 35,000 miles). I'm focusing on CPO cars, usually being sold by BMW dealerships. Question- Should I have a 3rd party mechanic run a diagnostic test on the car and visually inspect it over and under for damage, new paint, replaced body panels, etc., before buying, or is a car being sold as "CPO" by a BMW dealer sufficient to know that I am buying a good quality car? I will of course get a Carfax report, but these reports can miss major issues if they aren't reported by the owner.

Thanks!
 
I think if you buy an approved used BMW you will get a years warranty( here in UK) and it will have gone through some stringent checks what I would make sure you do is to have a good look at the service book to make sure it has had all services done at the correct time. I was about to buy a si from BMW, went through all the checks only to find that the service book was missing and had indeed NOT been serviced since new until the selling dealer done one, it was not a intentional act to deceive me the dealer had just not done his homework, when I spoke with BMW warranty they told me and the dealer that it could not be sold as BMW approved. So beware
 
I've had two CPO BMW's. They check everything and in my opinion, there is no need for a third party check. From my experience, the dealer will gave me the actual checklist from the inspections. I don't believe CPO cars address the issue of care and maintenance of the previous owner, but they check so many things, it would be difficult to miss something big.
And of course you know A BMW CPO’s warranty takes over when the new car’s four-year/ 50,000-mile coverage ends, continuing for two more years and raising the mileage limit to 100,000. I bought two CPO cars, and had no problems with either. It's also important to note that BMW doesn't CPO all cars they receive, the car itself must qualify.

Here is Car & Driver's June 2009 article on BMW CPO cars. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q2/certified_pre-owned_2007_bmw_335i-feature
 
Sounds like CPO is the American version of AUC (Approved Used Car), and that it's much better than the sytem we have here.

I wouldn't rely on an AUC car check, now I know what I do. I say get it checked by a pro. How much is the 3rd party check?
 
Previous mechanic checks (diagnostic test & physical inspection over under and through) were $75 each on my last 2 non-luxury cars. Both checked out and both were great vehicles that gave years of troublefree service.
For the record, 1 2007 certified z4 I looked at on a BMW dealer lot had major scratches and dings to every single body panel, dark green paint drippings on the silver hood, and an abused interior. That's why I'm concerned and wanted the forum's input.
 
Bought my car from BMW an AUC car but still took my mate along who is a very good mechanic and now works for BMW he gave the car a good look over and did the test drive
 
A reputable 3rd party check will give you peace of mind (or should do) but I have always carried out a thorough check myself prior to purchasing any pre owned vehicle - particularly documents for proof of appropriate service etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom